Britain confirms new case of Mpox as patient rushed to hospital
A new case of mpox has been detected in East Sussex, marking the sixth confirmed case in England since October 2024.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the new variant – clade Ib – was identified in an individual who had recently returned from Uganda, where there is currently community transmission of the illness.
The risk to the UK population remains low, according to health officials.
The patient is currently receiving specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.
A new case of mpox has been detected in East Sussex, marking the sixth confirmed case in England since October 2024
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UKHSA confirmed this latest case has no connection to the previous five cases identified in England since last October.
The health agency and NHS have stated they will not be releasing any additional details about the individual to protect their privacy.
Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, said: “It is thanks to clinicians rapidly recognising the symptoms and the work of our specialist laboratory that we have been able to detect this new case.”
“The risk to the UK population remains low following this sixth case, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread,” she added.
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UKHSA and partner organisations are actively tracing close contacts of the case.
Those identified as close contacts will be offered testing and vaccination where necessary to prevent further spread of the infection.
Contacts will also receive guidance on required care if they develop symptoms or test positive.
Extensive planning has been undertaken to ensure healthcare professionals are prepared to respond to any additional confirmed cases.
Clade Ib mpox has been actively circulating in several African countries in recent months
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Clade Ib mpox has been actively circulating in several African countries in recent months.
Multiple imported cases have been detected internationally, including in Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden and the United States.
In the context of the outbreak in parts of Africa, UKHSA expects to occasionally identify imported cases of clade Ib mpox in the UK.